Chuck D goes solo, hits a homer
Richard Thomas | washington, dc | 05/02/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Public Enemy, seminal hip hop group and instrumental in breaking the art form into the mainstream, came to an end with a very typical, but sad story. The group split, its many talented members pursued solo projects, and none of them ever went anywhere. Chuck D should have been the exception to this, and this album is the proof."Autobiography of Mistachuck" is first rate hip hop. Chuck still has his voice and he still has his poetry, but he brings it to a much funkier and more soulful musical style than was ever used by Public Enemy. It's a strong solo release, and it should have attracted more commerical success than it did. Check tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 12. 1, 5 and 10 are great!The hip hop scene is notoriously fickle. Figures of great talent rise and fall faster than in any other genre of music, disappearing of the radar screen to all but those who appreciate the old school. Gangster rap was still in full effect in the mid 90s, when this album was released. I think Chuck D acknowledges this plain fact of doing business in Track 1, with a sample from "Clockers." However, don't confuse the real thing with the LA gansta wannabes ... Chuck D's "Autobiography of Mistachuck" is the bomb!"
Rhyme animal strikes again...
Richard Thomas | 01/15/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Schmooove -- that's all I can say. This definitely isn't the same old PE vibe that we're used to, but it still makes a hell of a statement. The deep-soul tracks show that Chuck D is growing up without stepping down. Some of the production is a little too slow, but this album overall is a dope change of pace from one of hip-hop's overlords."
The Ene-D Strikes Back...
Richard Thomas | 05/25/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a PE fan, this is a must. Yes, a must. D slows things down considerably in this solo debut, but the beats are unmistakably PE, and as always, the lyrics are clear, harsh and make you clinch your fist every once in a while... as only Mistachuck can do."